Hardening after Toning

[Roger Pellegrini]

I know that Sodium Sulfite softens an emulsion after sepia toning and Photographers' Formulary recommends a hardener. However, if you use a selenium toner after the sepia process, is a hardener still necessary?

Roger Pellegrini

 

[ann]

no, check out tim rudman's book on toning he covers everything including all those things you wish you didn't know

 

[Ian Grant]

A hardener is totally unnecessary and inappropriate.

Ian

 

[Roger Pellegrini]

Thanks. Glad know that since I don't have any hardener and want to dry these.

 

[Roger Pellegrini]

Rudmana's Toning Book

no, check out tim rudman's book on toning he covers everything including all those things you wish you didn't know

Well, I just checked out Tim Rudman's book and, in the case of polysulphide toners, a post toning print hardener bath is recommended (see page 37).

 

[Claire Senft]

I do not Have Dr Rudman's fine book. Hardening is advised after toning in the cases where excess emulsion softening may cause easy frilling and abrasion.
Some papers will not show any evidence of problems.

 

[djkloss]

I don't use a hardener, but when I'm toning I finish with Ilford Rapid Fixer because I do split selenium/sepia toning and that's what Tim's book says - somewhere. I do have the book and read it somewhere. I think if you fully tone you're safe (not positive), but if you partially tone you need to fix after toning.

 

[snallan]

I don't use a hardener, but when I'm toning I finish with Ilford Rapid Fixer because I do split selenium/sepia toning and that's what Tim's book says - somewhere. I do have the book and read it somewhere. I think if you fully tone you're safe (not positive), but if you partially tone you need to fix after toning.

That's right, he says if you use any toning procedure that puts halide back in to the emulsion, you should refix after toning, unless you can be sure you have taken it to completion. He even recommends it for use after gold toning, because of the chloride that can remain from the gold chloride.

 

[ann]

nelson's gold is the one that everyone seems to use a hardner after toning, the other polysulphide toners no. Probably due to toning to completion.

maybe tim will join in here as he sometimes checks in on this site..

i have been toning for over 50 years and only use a hardner fixer after nelson's gold and the photos still look great. just my milage.